Company News

Ten years ago Semex released the best brand for health selection in dairy cattle genetics and now, we’re releasing the next generation of Immunity+ with August genetic evaluations!   “We’ve taken Immunity and brought it to a whole new level, with a full proof and a unique approach, that makes it hands down the most effective means to make gains in animal health,” says Jay Shannon, Vice President Semex Solutions and Marketing.   Over the past 10 years dairymen worldwide have seen the real advantages of using Immunity+ sires. It is highly heritable, has a huge economic impact, provides for higher quality colostrum and daughters are shown to have 29% less disease.   Now, all Semex sires will receive an index for Immunity and Calf Immunity, making it even easier to make health selection. The ‘next generation’ of Immunity+ optimally combines Immune Response (Antibody Mediated Immune Response, Cell Mediated Immune Response and Nitric Oxide), as well as a composite of publicly available disease traits sourced from CDCB, Lactanet and Zoetis. This ensures resulting animals can both mount a strong overall immune response, but also be able to recognize the specific pathogens that cause the costliest diseases on dairies.   The index has a mean of 100, and a standard deviation of 5, with proofs generally ranging from 85-115. Immunity+ bulls will be designated as being superior transmitters of high immune response if they have an Immunity Index >= 105 and a Calf Immunity Index >= 100. Additionally, dairymen taking advantage of Semex’s Elevate® genomic testing program will receive two indexes on all tested females, Immunity Index and Calf Immunity Index. These replace the former H(high)-A(average)-L(low) letter codes that were published on tested females.   For additional information on Immunity+ and Semex please visit www.semex.com
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Boviteq is extremely excited to announce the opening of several new licensee locations worldwide. Strategically selected, these new IVF partners combine local intelligence with Boviteq knowledge to deliver clients globally with the industry’s leading IVF services.

Now, clients in Switzerland at Swissgenetics, in France at Evolution, in Western Canada at Bow Valley Genetics, in Italy at Embryovet and in the UK via Paragon Vet Ltd have access to Boviteq’s world-leading technology and services.

“With the global growth in IVF services and the extreme demand we’ve seen for Boviteq worldwide Swissgenetics, Evolution, Bow Valley Genetics, EmbryoVet and Paragon were all logical choices,” says Dany-Pierre Rondeau, Semex Vice President, Embryo Division. “Each brings their own excellent service and client relationships, along with a quality first philosophy that meshes with our own. As producers turn to embryos and IVF for the fastest genetic gain, Boviteq is a real game changer. Our goal is to expand in key markets, bringing worldwide access to Boviteq’s IVF technology.”

"Over the past several months our staff in Saint-Hyacinthe has been working hard to train and accredit staff at each location on our standard operating procedures, techniques and attention to detail,” says Rondeau. “We have no doubt that the quality and service we’re known for is now available in Switzerland, France, Western Canada, Italy and the UK.”

A division of Semex, Boviteq offers the world’s leading reproductive and genetic solutions to its global clients via its world-class laboratories, ground-breaking research and exceptional service.


For additional information on Swissgenetics please visit: https://swissgenetics.com
For additional information on Evolution please visit: ... Read More...

Semex is pleased to announce its 2022-2023 Board of Directors with one new member, Jean Bissonnette, joining the Board, replacing outgoing director Mariette Gagnon, representing Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec (CIAQ).   Phil MacLean will continue to serve as President of the Board (EastGen), assisted by Vice President Jean-François Morin (CIAQ) and Executive Member Curtis McNeil (EastGen). Other members of the Board of Directors include: Normand Barriault (CIAQ); Richard Lagacé (CIAQ); Gerrit Wensink (EastGen); Jean Bissonnette (CIAQ); Tom Pasco (EastGen); and James Ross (WestGen); Tony Van Garderen (WestGen).     Semex is comprised of three Owners: WestGen, CIAQ (Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec) and EastGen. As a leading global genetics company, Semex is focused on providing our clients with the solutions, innovations and technologies that positively impact their lives, as well as the lives of the animals on their operations and within our global community. This is Genetics for Life, our guiding compass.     Photo Caption: Top from L to R: Phil MacLean, Jean-François Morin, Curtis McNeil; Middle from L to R: Normand Barriault, Jean Bissonnette, Tony Van Garderen; Bottom from L to R: Richard Lagacé, Gerrit Wensink, Tom Pasco, James Ross.  
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Semex and Boviteq, are excited to announce a partnership started in the Fall of 2021 with world-renown breeders Ferme Jacobs of Cap-Santé, Quebec.   Ferme Jacobs is shifting much of their milk production herd to a state-of-the-art robotic facility for 300+ cows. Being focused on genetic improvement, Semex and Boviteq are pleased to team up with them, utilizing Semex solutions such as Elevate® genomic testing and IVF services from Boviteq. Together, we’re developing a genetic strategy that maximizes genetic gain, producing elite male and female calves, as well as overall herd genetic improvement to meet their future growth strategies.   “We are so pleased to be working more closely with Ferme Jacobs,” said Brad Sayles, Semex Chief Operating Officer. “They’re working hard to invest in their breeding program to not only develop their famous show herd, but also to develop productive, healthy cows that work well in modern management environments. They’re extremely passionate breeders, and excellent ambassadors for the dairy industry, so assisting them in their genetic strategy to reach these goals is certainly an opportunity we’re excited about. Thierry Laberge, Product Development Specialist as well as Semex’s entire genetic team and Pier-Olivier Lehoux, Ciaq Consulting Representative who will work with them to establish objectives, utilizing Semex sires to produce bulls for Semex and elite females for themselves.”   “Additionally, they will be utilizing Boviteq’s world-leading embryo production platform and IVF technologies to maximize embryo production and reproductive performance,” says Sayles.
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Semex and Nedap have strengthened and expanded their successful partnership. The Semex ai24® program with Nedap technology is now available in more countries, enabling dairy farmers to significantly improve their herd performance and profitability.

Semex ai24, which monitors the reproduction, health and location of cows, has been offered with Nedap technology in a growing amount of key dairy regions since 2008. The successful results that dairy farmers experience from Semex ai24 technology within the program and the related high level of customer satisfaction has led to this expansion.

"Striving for efficiency and precision management for its clients, Semex is excited to offer Nedap technology to even more markets through its Semex ai24 program. Nedap has already been a trusted partner in many countries around the globe for more than 10 years, with an excellent track record when it comes to improving dairy herd management and performance. Semex clients can take advantage of all the benefits this reliable and innovative technology offers," says Drew Sloan, Semex Sr. Vice President, Sales & Business Development.

Bas Driessen, Sales Manager at Nedap adds, "Nedap is proud of the many years of collaboration with Semex. The value that Semex adds for dairy farmers through the ai24 program with Nedap technology is a crowning achievement. Their improved results and enthusiasm are the main proof of our successful partnership. We are therefore thrilled to expand the collaboration partnership with Semex." 

Semex is comprised of three Partner Owners: WestGen, CIAQ (Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec) and EastGen. As a leading global genetics company, Semex is focused on providing our clients with the solutions, innovations and technologies that positively impact their lives, as well as the lives of the animals on their operations and within our global community. This is Genetics for Life, our guiding ... Read More...

Semex along with its owners, EastGen and CIAQ, are pleased to announce the donation of a combined $100,000 to the British Columbia Dairy Association adding to the $100,000 donation previously made by WestGen. Last month the BC Dairy Association worked quickly to set up an emergency recovery fund with all monies raised directed towards providing urgently needed services and supplies to dairy farms and their families.

"The entire country has been moved by the devastation seen by our clients, friends and partners in British Columbia following these catastrophic floods," says Paul Larmer, Semex CEO. "Our deepest concern has been and continues to be the health and safety of farmers, farm workers and livestock in these affected areas. With our partners at WestGen, we collectively worked immediately to protect supply chains and deliverables, and now together we're working to support the work needed to rebuild in these critical farming areas in what has already been a challenging year."

"British Columbia's farmers were there for us during the Great Ice Storm of 1998," says CIAQ President, Jean-François Morin. "Now it is our turn to be there for them. On behalf of our Board of Directors, employees and client-owners, we are making this gesture of solidarity to help them get through this terrible ordeal."

"As partners in Semex, we work together for producers across Canada," says EastGen President Gerrit Wensink. "Now, as the individuals and families in British Columbia deal with the devastation brought by the floods, producers in Eastern Canada are united in support of their colleagues and partners in BC."

"We're proud to be partners in a key part of Western Canada's dairy community and will continue to support and evaluate needs in this recovery effort," says Larmer. "Today we're proud to announce this collective commitment and we look forward to helping rebuild this critical part of the ... Read More...

Semex is pleased to announce that Dr Bonnie Mallard, University of Guelph Professor Ontario Veterinary College, has received the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Synergy Award and its highest prize of $200,000 towards continuing research. 

Launched in 1995 by NSERC the Synergy Award recognizes partnerships in natural sciences and engineering research and development between universities and Canadian industry. Since their inception, the Awards have honoured the most outstanding achievements of these collaborations in the natural sciences and engineering. 

“When I learned of this win, I was over the moon about this tremendous recognition of my lifetime work as a scientist and professor of immunogenetics,” said Dr. Mallard, adding that the award recognizes women scientists’ ability to translate science into innovation.

“The NSERC Synergy Award for Innovation is one of the highest awards this country offers for innovation, and I plan to use this platform to bring further expansion to the HIR/Immunity+® technology,” she said. “There is still much exciting work left to do.”

Licensed to Semex, the HIR technology has been available to clients worldwide under the Immunity+ lineup since 2012.

“The HIR technology and Immunity+ is a good example of the importance of long-term research collaborations,” says Paul Larmer, Semex CEO. “Nominations are judged on partnership, effective use of resources and tangible benefits, all of which are evident with Immunity+ and HIR testing. We congratulate Dr. Mallard and we’re excited to continue our work together to reduce cattle disease and its related costs through preventative genetic methods worldwide.” 
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We are pleased to announce that Jonathan Merriam will be joining Semex August 16, 2021, as Jersey Program Manager, reporting to Jay Shannon, Director, Genetic Programs & Solutions.  

“Jonathan is renowned in the Jersey breed for his extensive knowledge, experience and proven leadership in genetics,” says Jay Shannon. “He will utilize all of his acquired skills and extensive knowledge to lead Semex’s genetic programs, working with our elite genetic partner herds to keep raising the bar of our industry-leading Jersey program.” 

Jonathan most recently was the Genetics Manager at the 7000-cow Ahlem Farms in Hilmar, California. In this role he led the sire selection, mating and the marketing program for this globally famous Jersey farm and genetic resource. Under Jonathan’s management, Ahlem Farms put over 150 bulls into stud and sold high-value heifers annually in national sales. Previously Jonathan was an agricultural instructor at Utah State University, managing their dairy herd management vocational training program, and was the Dairy Extension Specialist for the University of California Cooperative Extension, advising producers regarding dairy nutrition, reproduction, management, employee relations and environmental regulations. 

Jonathan is the current President of the American Jersey Cattle Association, a position he has held for the last three years. He has a rich history of involvement in the dairy industry at local, state and national levels, working on national show and sale committees as well as providing tremendous leadership to youth programs.

Jonathan earned his master’s degree in Dairy Science, Dairy Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science from California Polytechnic State University.

Jonathan resides in Hickman, ... Read More...

Boviteq is extremely excited to announce the opening of Boviteq California in Hilmar, California. Open now, Boviteq California is a fully-operational, accredited Boviteq satellite center offering elite donor housing with OPU and ET services. This location is uniquely equipped to handle young genomic donors, lactating dairy show cows and has robust handling facilities for beef donors.  

“With the growth we’ve seen nationwide for our IVF services and the extreme service demand on the West Coast, California was a logical choice for expansion,” says Dr. Shantille Kruse, Boviteq Director Embryo Business, North America. “Boviteq, and our parent company Semex, have a long-standing relationship with the folks at Vierra Dairy, making them a natural partner for Boviteq California.”

“Our world-class, state-of-the-art IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) facility in Madison, Wisconsin, is ready to accept oocytes from California and for the first time, offer the industry’s best IVF service and results to the West Coast,” says Kruse. “We have seen first-hand the care and quality that Vierra puts into their dairy, and we’ve worked together every step of the way to ensure that this facility, its people and its services meet and exceed industry standards.”

“We’ve been hearing from dairymen for months, asking when we will be ready for them and we’re so excited to let them know that we’re open and ready for business!” says Peter Cipponeri, Vierra Dairy Manager & Boviteq California General Manager. “We really feel that we are offering the very best in donor housing, and coupled with the next level results from Boviteq, Boviteq California will be the most in-demand OPU service provider on the West Coast.”

For additional information on Boviteq please visit ... Read More...

Semex is pleased to announce its 2021-2022 Board of Directors with one new member, Normand Barriault, joining the Board, replacing outgoing director Jean Bissonnette, representing Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec (CIAQ).   Phil MacLean will continue to serve as President of the Board (EastGen), assisted by Vice President Jean-François Morin (CIAQ) and Executive Member Curtis McNeil (EastGen). Other members of the Board of Directors include: Mariette Gagnon (CIAQ); Eric Iversen (WestGen); Richard Lagacé (CIAQ); Gerrit Wensink (EastGen); Tom Pasco (EastGen); and James Ross (WestGen).   Photo Caption: Top from L to R: Phil MacLean, Jean-François Morin, Curtis McNeil; Middle from L to R: Normand Barriault, Mariette Gagnon, Eric Iversen; Bottom from L to R: Richard Lagacé, Gerrit Wensink, Tom Pasco, James Ross                                                                          
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